How Long Do Mushrooms Last? Know If They Are Spoiled

Enjoy this guest post written by Salina of CreamySmell in which she discusses her passions for food and cooking and sharing this with her family.

Do you want to know how long do mushrooms last and some tips on how to handle them better to make it last longer? The lifespan of mushrooms is hard to determine since, like most fresh vegetables, it may not have a "use by" date, expiration date or "best before" date, so you need to run with the buy by date to gauge how long it's good for. Better yet, your own judgment. Keep reading to learn more!

Mushrooms Are Good For The Health, Yet Poisonous?

There are many different varieties of mushrooms. It is, in essence, a type of fungus that can grow almost anywhere. Various types of mushrooms are used for a lot of different recipes since they are mild- tasting yet absorb flavors very well. They're a high protein source which makes it popular among vegetarians. They're also a great source of Vitamin D and other minerals.

Unfortunately, there are some very poisonous mushrooms out there. Since mushrooms can grow practically anywhere, especially in moist areas, it's important to remember that not all of them are edible.

Also, even the edible ones can prove to be hazardous to your health if eaten spoiled. Note that often, the healthier they are, the more poisonous they can be once they spoil which is why knowing how long they can last and learning how to store them properly is paramount.

The Way You Store Mushrooms Affects Shelf Life?

The way you store your mushrooms plays a big role in determining their shelf life. Just like any other food, the lower the temperature, the longer they will last. Another key factor is whether the mushrooms are dried, canned or fresh. It's not much different from other foods, but knowing some of the basics can go a long way to saving you and your family from accidental food poisoning.

Fresh Mushrooms

Fresh mushrooms are the ones that would spoil the fastest but would also taste the best. Since they're left in their original form, they are more susceptible to food spoilage as the natural elements are left intact. The natural moisture can also expedite the process of spoilage. Most fresh mushrooms can last for a few days at room temperature. However, the climate and weather play a role too.

Dried Mushrooms

Dried mushrooms have a longer shelf life since the water has been dried out. Like most dried foods, mushrooms can benefit from the lack of moisture which is a natural decomposing agent that can hasten spoilage. When dried, mushrooms can last up to a few months, as long as they're also stored in an airtight container even in normal temperature.

Canned Mushrooms

Most canned mushrooms can last up to a year. You will note that canned mushrooms are immersed in water, but this does not contradict the earlier statement that moisture expedites spoilage.

Once canned, the mushrooms are protected from air and without it, moisture won't have the same detrimental effects to mushrooms. To make it simple, oxygen itself can damage food by either encouraging the growth of microorganisms and by damaging the natural enzymes in your food, otherwise known as the oxidation process.

Storing Fresh Mushrooms

The way you store your mushrooms is another key factor. The most basic principle you have to remember is the lower the temperature, the longer you can keep it. You can store it at room temperature for a few days while storing it in the fridge can practically double up its shelf life and make it last up to 10 days.

Store the mushrooms in the freezer if you need them to l﻿a﻿st up to three months. Aside from the temperature, another important consideration is how you store it, with regards to packaging. Keeping it in an airtight container is an excellent way to preserve your mushrooms.

Storing Dried Mushrooms

Dried mushrooms can last for a few months as long as it is kept in an airtight container and away from moisture. Avoid changing temperatures as this can encourage moisture to form. If you've placed your dried mushrooms in the fridge, keep it there. Lowering the temperature down to room temperature is guaranteed to build moisture and will surely shorten the lifespan of your mushrooms.

Storing Canned Mushrooms

No, you don't want to put an open canned mushroom in the fridge. If you wish to place the unused mushrooms in the fridge, transfer them to another container first. Once you've opened a can, the oxidation process will begin. It'll have detrimental effects both to the mushrooms and the can itself, causing chemicals to leak into your food.

Store your canned mushrooms in the cupboard for up to a year. Once opened, you can treat it like fresh mushrooms and store it either in the fridge or freezer but not at room temperature.

Last Tips!

Don't risk your safety by trying to eat stored mushrooms that doesn't seem to look and smell right. If you see molds, smell something foul, and taste something disgustingly sour, why risk it? Storing food properly can help you save a lot of money because you won't have to get yourself hospitalized!

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